The Facts of her Parents.

Later that day Flora met Lily in her house. Lily threw open the door and her bright green eyes fixed on those of Flora.

"Look I can explain, it..." Flora started explaining

I know about Ryan and Selena, Lily said interrupting Floria, "I know what happened to Ryan and Selena.

Flora froze. It is not what she was anticipating but it is good. Her fingers strangled in her bag. "You... you know?"

Lily shrugged lightly. "Dad told me."

Flora's chest tightened. "He did."

Yes, I suppose so, said Lily with a little smirk. I am thinking of getting Dad to send over a few guards to give Ryan and Selena a lesson... maybe exile them out of the pack a little. She laughed and shook her head. "No, I won't dwell on that. I swear I will ensure that Ryan is fired. That's enough justice for now."

Flora managed a small laugh. "Good," she said. "

"Yep," Lily replied quickly. "Anyway, enough about Ryan. What did you do on the weekend at my moms place? Didst thou... get into trouble when I was absent? Flora relaxed a little due to the teasing tone that Lily used.

Flora exhaled. "She... she was fine. She didn't yell at me. She was like herself... she was like herself all right, I tell you.

"That's good," Lily said. Her expression softened. You see I went to see her to avoid the parting.

Flora blinked. "Separation?"

"My parents," Lily said. Mom still had her mind made up to leave Dad. I could not allow that to take place. I do not mean that I did not want them to part because of some fight. I--" she hesitated, and reflected a moment. I went to persuade her to remain, and... it worked.

Flora's heart skipped a beat. Wait, then... they are not parting ways anymore?

"Nope," Lily said, smiling. "They're staying together. Dad was happy I talked to her. Mom was willing to go back in. It is all normal again, mostly.

Flora forced a smile. "That's... great. Really great." She shoved the sinking sensation in her chest. The prospect of Lily made her happy, indeed, but the night with Marcus now loomed over her like a storm cloud, the secret she was bearing. How long until Lily found out? How would she react? Flora made no effort not to think of it.

Let's see what we can do to get Mom to get her stuff packed back, said Lily, clapping her hands. I can not bear it all myself, and you owe me one last night anyway.

Flora shook her head, and was glad of the diversion. The following hours were devoted to the process of taking the boxes, small furniture, and personal belongings back into the house. Flora trailed after Lily and silently said nothing about last night, although with each step she was reminded about Marcus, his hands, his touch, and how she had allowed herself to get.

So, how are you feeling after all that, said Lily casually, dropping a box in the living room. Everything, Ryan, Selena... everything?

Flora rubbed her arms. "I'm okay. I say... it's only been a lot to digest."

"But you handled it well. I say the majority of the people would have screamed or caused a scene. You stayed calm. I'm impressed."

Flora smiled weakly. "Thanks. I suppose it is better to act like nothing is wrong at times.

Lily's eyes softened.

Flora's chest tightened. This is what she was most afraid of. Could she tell Lily?  No. Not yet. Maybe never.

They had completed the process of replacing everything. The mother of Lily came in later that afternoon, with a couple of bags. She smiled warmly at Flora. "Thank you for helping, Flora. I appreciate it."

Flora nodded politely. "Of course, Mrs. Steele."

Lily beamed. "See? Everything's fine now. Dad's happy, Mom's happy. I hope nothing more will go amiss."

Flora forced a smile again. "Yeah... nothing else."

The remaining day was spent by them unloading boxes and putting shelves together and arranging furniture. Flora was busy, and she did not want to think about Marcus or the night that changed everything. She responded to the questions of Lily in a polite manner, laughed at her jokes, and even made some minor jokes. But deep down inside she was experiencing a heavy burden in her chest the secret that could ruin everything between her and Lily had it ever been disclosed.

At the end of the day, the mother of Lily finally went to her room to sleep. And Flora and Lily remained in the living room, too tired to talk. Flora was about to say something, anything, to take the strain off, but she could not find it in herself to speak. Lily appeared to be happy to sit there and scroll her phone, allowing Flora to take a breath.

Lily said after a while, and disrupted the silence, "I am so glad you have come, Flora. I do not know what I should do without you.

Flora smiled, and she was cool and uncomfortable at the same time. "I'm glad too," she said softly.

"You're family," Lily added.

Flora's throat tightened. She nodded but remained calm in her voice. "I... I know."

She would have told her all, except that she was afraid to lose the confidence of Lily and so she choked on the words.

Flora rose at length to depart as soon as night came. "I should go home. Thanks to you, I was able to help today.

Lily waved. "See you tomorrow?" she asked.

Yes, yes, said Flora with a faint smile. "See you tomorrow."

As Flora went out the night air struck her face. She inhaled and exhaled slowly attempting to tame the storm within her. She never told Lily, but she was well aware that it was time.

Flora heard a knot come in her stomach. She might withhold the truth at this point, but she did not know how long she would be able to hold.

Until Lily knows about it? she said to herself.

Or what will she do when she does?